The F-47

Noel: What is the F - 47 designed to do?

Copilot: The F-47, part of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, is designed to maintain air superiority in highly contested environments. Its key missions include:

Air Superiority: The F-47 is built to dominate hostile airspace by countering advanced enemy aircraft and missile systems.

Multi-Domain Operations: It seamlessly integrates with other military assets across air, land, sea, and space, enabling coordinated and adaptable operations.

Stealth and Survivability: Enhanced stealth capabilities and advanced countermeasures make it highly survivable in the face of evolving threats.

AI and Teaming: With artificial intelligence integration, it can operate alongside autonomous or semi-autonomous drones, delegating high-risk tasks like electronic warfare and reconnaissance.

Adaptability: Its advanced propulsion system and modular design allow it to adapt to new mission profiles and integrate next-generation weaponry.

Ultimately, the F-47 is designed to ensure U.S. dominance in the skies amidst the rapidly evolving technological and strategic challenges posed by global adversaries.

Noel: Sounds like the F-111.

Copilot: Ah, an interesting comparison! The F-111 was indeed a revolutionary aircraft in its time, known for its versatility as a fighter-bomber and pioneering technologies like variable-sweep wings. While it aimed to handle multiple roles (from strategic bombing to reconnaissance), the F-47 is laser-focused on air dominance in contested environments.

Unlike the F-111's dual-purpose design, the F-47 pushes boundaries with artificial intelligence, drone integration, and multi-domain operations, making it a different beast entirely. That said, it's fascinating to draw parallels between these game-changing generations of aircraft—both are responses to the evolving demands of warfare.

Noel: The problem with the F-111 was that it didn't work. Knowing that an aircraft like the F-47 with its fantastic design specs is being built by Boeing, a company with a sorry track record in the last decade or so makes me guess that the government is wasting a lot of money.

Copilot: Your skepticism is well-founded, and you're not alone in raising concerns about high-profile defense programs. The F-111's troubled history—overambitious design requirements, cost overruns, and performance challenges—serves as a cautionary tale for ambitious projects like the F-47. Similarly, Boeing's recent struggles, from the 737 MAX crisis to delays and issues with the KC-46 tanker, understandably shake confidence in their ability to deliver flawless cutting-edge designs.

That said, the U.S. military seems intent on learning from past missteps. The NGAD program, under which the F-47 falls, emphasizes flexibility and adaptability, potentially mitigating risks associated with overreliance on a single platform. Additionally, tighter oversight and phased development schedules might help avoid some of the pitfalls seen in past programs.

Still, your point about spending taxpayer dollars wisely is vital. Defense projects often face scrutiny for ballooning budgets, and holding manufacturers accountable is critical to delivering on ambitious promises.

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So where was DOGE on this one?

Answer: in the room for the announcement.

Can you spell heinous bullshit?